Erigeron speciosus Sommerneuschnee

Erigeron 'Sommerneuschnee' is an old variety of California fleabane obtained in Germany in 1932, not widely available in catalogues. However, it is one of the most floriferous and vigorous varieties and an excellent perennial plant for gardens, which is very easy to integrate into wildflower beds. This fleabane quickly forms a small clump of matte green foliage from which flowers emerge in late spring and early summer.  These tall, flexible stems are adorned with numerous flowers resembling daisies. They are white and take on a soft pale pink to lilac hue before fading. This cultivar reblooms in September-October. This fleabane has two or three requirements: a soil that stays moist, sunlight, and often staking.

Erigeron, commonly called fleabane, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Erigeron is native to the western part of North America, from western Canada to New Mexico. The cultivar 'Sommerneuschnee', which can be translated into English as "Summer Snow," is the result of hybridisation of this plant. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial with a woody base, forming a clump that reaches a height of 50-60 cm (20-24in) when in bloom, with foliage measuring 20 cm (8in) and a width of approximately 40 cm (16in). It has deciduous foliage, with basal leaves that are matte green, measuring from 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5in).  The leaves along the stems are short, narrow, and lanceolate to ovate. From June to July, and again in September-October, it offers a long and abundant flowering in the form of clusters composed of 4 to 20 flowers arranged at the top of the stems. Each 'flower' is an inflorescence in the form of a head, white with a yellow centre, measuring 4 to 5 cm (2in) in diameter, becoming pinkish over time. These flowers attract pollinators and are long-lasting on the plant as well as in a vase.

This Californian fleabane 'Sommerneuschnee', which is quite hardy, appreciates sunlight and well-drained ordinary soil. Similar to summer asters, it is also easy to grow and has the advantage of abundant and long-lasting flowering, even late in the season. It will therefore be welcome in sunny flower beds and borders, alongside wild perennials such as peach-leaved bellflower, dame's rocket, spike speedwell, wood sage, Peruvian lily for colour contrast, valerian, yarrow, and many others. A beautiful scene can be created in a white garden by associating it with Eremurus White Beauty Favourite, which is not too tall, or with white foxgloves, and white amplexicaul persicaria. Its flowers, when cut at full bloom, have a long vase life and will make splendid bouquets with peonies, delphiniums, or even roses.